Help set up '71E!..

evren · 09-03-2002, 12:06 PM

Now that I am the proud new owner of this car, I need your advice to fix it up just right..

First, a huge thank you is due to everyone on this board who helped me along the way, especially pwd72, marc, randy and roninlb...

The car is currently in Oregon, and I have gotten a quote from Motor Sports International (Portland) to have some stuff done to the car. I'm planning to drive the car from Oregon to New York, around the end of October, then have it shipped to Istanbul.

Things I am planning to have done:

- torsion bars (21/26, or thereabouts..)
- Bilstein HD/Sport shocks
- sway bars
- oil cooler
- carrera chain tensioner
- turbo tie rods
- front strut brace
- new brake pads
- full tune up, change fluids, fix leaks, etc.

the car currently has 14" wheels, thinking about upgrading them. Also there are no tools in the car, so plan to go on an extensive tool shopping spree to get enough tools and spare parts to at least survive the trip. Paul kindly sent me a list of things originally in the factory kit:

Spark plug wrench with pin
19mm Wheel nut wrench
8X9mm open end wrench
10X11mm open end wrench
12X13mm open end wrench
14X15mm open end wrench
17X19mm open-end wrench
19X22mm Box wrench
Screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Pliers
Fan Belt
Plastic bag with 5 fuses
Fan belt wrench

hoping I can get most of these from Pelican of Sears.

So, would love to hear from anyone with an opinion to share. Basically, I'm trying to figure out what to have done to the car without breaking the bank, what to carry along on the trip, and general advice and contacts along the way. Thanks in advance, Evren

Randy W · Randy W's Garage

Your upgrades sound great. For the trip, I would make sure your spare tire is fully inflated and that your brake and fuel lines are in good shape. I would also carry the tools you need, a jack, jack stand, lug wrench, wire, gaffer tape, WD40, flares, spare plug, points, small fire extinguisher, trash bags, rags, windex, paper towels, water, etc. Maybe overkill, but I would carry a spare clutch cable, throttle cable, coil, CD unit (if you have one) and fuel pump.

At a minimum you would also carry credit card, cash, a cell phone and sign up for AAA plus, if you haven't already. Have fun and drive safe.

silverc4s · silverc4s's Garage

I'd recommend you have the guys in OR look over the front ball joints, etc. while doing the shocks. Also consider reworking the entire braking system while the car is still in the US. Most likely in need of a rebuild and new rubber / teflon lines anyway.
When I took ownership of my first P car (a 1969 T targa) the suspension and brakes are what I recall as making the greatest improvement in driveability..
Oh yes, and DEFINITELY get the 15" Fuchs and some nice rubber on her before you drive cross country. Have a blast, bring a digital camera so we can all see as well!

Best,

evren · 09-03-2002, 11:28 PM

thanks... would anyone happen to have a list of reliable porsche shops across the country to call in case there is a problem I can't fix myself?

Jack Olsen · 09-04-2002, 12:12 AM

Bring a laptop and a modem. Then consult the PCA sites from the regions you're passing through. Often, you'll be able to find the officer's phone numbers. This saved me a lot of headaches on my (ultimaely unsuccessful) inaugural cross-country run.

It's probably make good sense to print them out first, and get a copy of Excellence and/or Panorama, and get the names and email addresses of the guys whose regions you'll be passing through.

Soterik · Soterik's Garage

Randy has made mention of some key items to bring with, and the fuel pump, CD unit, clutch cable, etc. probably are not overkill, and you may need them in the future...probably smart to buy them now.

One area I didn't see covered that I have had issues with on most of my "used purchases" is the wheel bearings....have them replaced, or repacked if in good condition. The brake line replacement and system flush is absolutely mandatory as well.

The factory toolkit items were reasonably usefull, probably the best is the correct factory plugwrench for the car....it's the exact correct length, and the best one I have ever used. Try to get an original of this particular item.

Definitely get the AAA Plus card.....if you have it, you probably won't need it!....but if you don't have it.....

travel safe...

Eric

evren · 09-04-2002, 12:13 PM

yes, the wife has AAA+, so should be covered for the trip... sounds like in addition to the old fashioned tools, laptop, cell phone and GPS will be the most useful items...

pwd72s · 09-04-2002, 01:29 PM

Evren, I would consider the fan belt wrench to be more important than the plug wrench. Yes, there is the risk of dropping a plug or most often the socket and plug inside the shroud when changing a plug via ratchet, but that can be avoided with locking extensions or just a bit of tape. Throw a fan belt? Better pull over & replace it immediately, or you'll fry an engine! Another little item I just added to my trunk? Sears had a cheap multimeter on sale recently. Digital, about the size of a shirt pocket transistor radio, $10...batteries not included. Aside from the factory tool kit, I carry perhaps too much in tools...but I'll show you when you get here. Most can be purchased at Sears, not far from my home. AND...no sales tax in Oregon! Spares...gosh, I carry points, plugs, fuses, spare bulbs for the lights, engine oil, clutch cable, the list goes on & on. Oh, and for what you're planning? A Rand/McNally or AAA Road Atlas! I can photocopy the PCA regional officers from the latest PANO when you arrive. Also, the offer I e-mailed still stands. ANYTHING you want to order and have shipped, use my address...I'll hold all until you arrive. The SK tools sold by Wayne are very good quality IMHO...I'd put them a notch above Craftsman...in both quality & (unfortunately) price. This is a FUN thread...helping a guy plan a road trip! Almost as much fun as planning your own road trip.

Randy W · Randy W's Garage

Great ideas, Eric and Paul - a Panorama, big Map and oil are vital! Also don't forget a blanket, head pillow (for those rest stops), flashlight, extra batteries, extra MFI belt, spare small relay, and some food and water. I have had to replace a clutch cable on the road. When I drove from Seattle to Las Vegas and back on desolate roads, I only used the spare oil, WD40 and windex - but being ready sure helped me sleep at night.

pwd72s · 09-04-2002, 05:05 PM

Randy? Thanks for mentioning food and water. Water primarily. When a dear friend (now departed) and his wife were touring the western USA by 356? He & she both from London, I had to FORCE a 2 liter bottle of water on them before they left. Once back home, he thanked me. He just had no idea how hot, desolate, and far from help certain parts of the USA can be...BTW, there is an old Pendelton blanket stuffed under the backrest of the left rear passenger seat of my car. I've carried it for years...

speeder · 09-04-2002, 10:53 PM

All excellent advice above. That tool kit list is amazing, Paul. I don't think that my '82 came with all that. FWIW, complete factory tool kits pop-up for sale, there will surely be some at Ventura. Good luck!

pwd72s · 09-06-2002, 11:01 AM

Denis...sure a good illustration of where Porsche is headed...today the tool kits supplied are near zero. They don't want the owners touching the car? I believe Evren is more interested in a kit that works than one for concours show. The rebfurbished factory original kits are $$$ these days, and for the most part Craftsman tools will work just fine.

speeder · 09-06-2002, 11:30 AM

Agree w/ you, other than the fan belt wrench, (pulley holder), he could get everything else on your list for cheap. The factory plug wrench is cool to have, though, maybe he can scrounge those two items.

marc weintraub · marc weintraub's Garage

Congratulations on the car... looks and sounds great. One thing you might want to do is make a spare set of keys for the car. get the blanks and have them cut just as a precaution. All of the guys pretty much made all the best suggestions on spare parts and stuff, so good luck with the trip.
When you get into new york, please email me and I will try to meet up with you. Also, if you need help, don't hesitate to contact me... you have my information.

All The Best,

Marc

racemor · 09-08-2002, 12:47 PM

Wow, with all of those tools and spares you may want to think about a Yakima roof rack and travel case.

Just kidding, these are all great recommendations and I carried most of these things on my trip to Hershey last Spring. Luckily I did not need any of them. Sounds like a great trip and congrats on joining the long hood brigade.

Tom

evren · 09-09-2002, 07:51 AM

thanks for all the great advice, all.. certainly looks like I won't have anyone but myself to blame if something goes wrong along the way!

Paul has been busy snapping up all the good deals at Sears and NAPA on my behalf this past weekend (thanks Paul!!), so I'm already in great shape, tools-wise.

Marc, would definitely like to catch up when in New York -- will let you know in advance.

Denis, the fan-belt wrench is at the top of my soon to be completed Pelican wish list...

pwd72s · 10:40 AM

Oh, you're not done yet, Evren...DO order the fan belt wrench, a spare fan belt, and a clutch cable, and a soft lug nut socket from Pelican. This the minimum I'd order from them, but please tell me what you order so there is no replication on my part. Have 'em shipped to me, and I'll hold. Stay tuned folks....

Edit: When you order the clutch cable, be sure to tell them that your car has been converted to a 915 transaxle. I don't know if there is a difference or not, but there might be? Maybe John, Warren, or somebody else coul weigh in on this one...